Meat and alcohol had been allegedly served on the Diwali social gathering hosted by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10, Downing Avenue, offending some British Hindus. The celebration on the PM’s official residence, attended by group leaders and prime politicians, included lighting diyas, a Kuchipudi dance efficiency, and a speech by Starmer.
Some British Hindus, nonetheless, expressed shock once they came upon the dinner menu included liquor and non-vegetarian dishes. Lamb kebabs, beer, and wine had been served to the visitors, stories counsel.
Meat and liquor weren’t on the menu when Rishi Sunak hosted the Diwali celebration final yr.
Satish Ok Sharma, a distinguished British Hindu pandit, accused the Prime Minister’s workplace of a “full lack of sensitivity and easy session”.
“For the final 14 years or so, the Diwali celebration at 10, Downing Avenue has been with out meat and alcohol. I’m disenchanted and fairly shocked that this yr’s celebration gave the impression to be an inebriated meat-induced stupor-dominated occasion. It is a tragedy that the prime minister’s advisers would have been so careless and negligent,” he stated in a video assertion posted on X.
If it was unintended, it was nonetheless disappointing, and if deliberate, the Prime Minister has despatched a message to the British Hindu group, learn Mr Sharma’s publish as he known as on Starmer to subject a press release.
Perception UK, a social motion of British Hindus and Indians, stated the “sacred celebration was marred by meat and alcohol” and has provided to advise 10, Downing Avenue officers on spiritual sentiments.
The selection of menu displayed an appalling lack of knowledge or respect for the spiritual traditions related to Diwali, it stated in a web based publish, urging larger consideration for future occasions.
10, Downing Avenue is but to reply.